Concussion & Alcohol: The Hidden Risks You NEED to Know Now!

As we continue to understand the delicate nature of brain health and recovery, it’s crucial to address a common, yet profoundly dangerous, misunderstanding that can severely hinder healing.

The Sobering Truth: Navigating the Perilous Intersection of Concussion and Alcohol

The Dangerous Misconception

Many individuals, perhaps due to a lack of awareness or a desire to return to normalcy, mistakenly believe that consuming alcohol after a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), such as a concussion, carries little to no significant risk. This common misconception, often fueled by social habits or an underestimation of the injury’s severity, is not only dangerous but can profoundly impede recovery. The notion that a "small drink" or "social drink" is harmless after such an injury is a pervasive belief that we aim to directly challenge and clarify.

What Exactly is a Concussion?

To fully grasp why this belief is so misguided, it’s essential to first understand what a concussion truly is. Far from being just a minor ‘bump on the head,’ a concussion is a mild form of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) resulting from a jolt or blow to the head or body. This impact causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull, leading to a temporary yet significant disruption in normal brain function. Crucially, a concussion initiates a complex series of metabolic and physiological changes within the brain, setting in motion a delicate and vital process of healing. This process requires optimal conditions to repair the microscopic damage and restore neural pathways, ensuring a full and proper recovery.

Why This Guide Matters

The purpose of this guide is to shed light on this critical issue. We aim to reveal the hidden potential risks and serious recovery implications that arise when alcohol is introduced to a brain actively undergoing this complex healing process. While the immediate effects of alcohol are widely known, its specific impact on a vulnerable, recovering brain is often overlooked, leading to prolonged symptoms and potentially long-term complications. Rest assured, the information presented here is not anecdotal. It is firmly rooted in established medical guidelines, robust scientific research, and the collective wisdom of expert advice from neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, and other healthcare professionals dedicated to TBI recovery. Our goal is to empower you with accurate knowledge to make informed decisions about your health and recovery journey.

Understanding this fundamental conflict between alcohol and brain recovery is the first step towards recognizing how deeply alcohol can sabotage your healing process.

While the general dangers of mixing concussion and alcohol might seem apparent, many underestimate the specific, insidious ways alcohol sabotages the body’s delicate recovery processes.

The Silent Saboteur: How Alcohol Derails Your Brain’s Recovery

A concussion, often described as a mild traumatic brain injury, leaves the brain in an incredibly vulnerable state. Far from being a simple "bump on the head," this injury triggers a complex cascade of metabolic and physiological changes. The brain, our body’s most energy-intensive organ, must then embark on a significant repair mission. This healing process demands immense energy to restore cellular function, repair damaged neural pathways, clear inflammatory byproducts, and re-establish normal communication between brain regions. During this critical period, the brain requires optimal conditions and resources to effectively mend itself.

Alcohol as a Neurotoxic Obstacle to Healing

Unfortunately, alcohol consumption acts as a direct impediment to this crucial repair process. Alcohol is not merely a social lubricant; it is a known neurotoxin. In the delicate post-concussion environment, even small amounts can be detrimental. It can significantly increase neuroinflammation, the brain’s own immune response, which is already heightened after an injury. This excess inflammation can prevent proper cellular repair and prolong the period of dysfunction, disrupting the intricate and synchronized processes the brain needs to heal effectively. Instead of aiding recovery, alcohol actively works against it, creating a more hostile environment for brain cells trying to mend themselves.

Exacerbating Common Concussion Symptoms

One of the most immediate and noticeable effects of alcohol post-concussion is the symptom exacerbation it causes. Alcohol can intensify many common concussion symptoms, turning manageable discomfort into severe distress. This happens because the brain’s ability to cope with stressors is already compromised. When alcohol is introduced, it overwhelms the system, leading to a noticeable worsening of existing issues.

Consider how alcohol can magnify specific concussion symptoms:

Common Concussion Symptom	How Alcohol Consumption Can Worsen It
Headache	Dehydration and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) from alcohol can significantly increase the intensity, throbbing, and duration of post-concussion headaches, often triggering new or more severe migraines.
Dizziness/Vertigo	Alcohol directly impacts the vestibular system and brain processing, intensifying feelings of imbalance, lightheadedness, and spatial disorientation already common after a concussion.
Nausea	Alcohol irritates the stomach lining and can induce vomiting, exacerbating existing post-concussion nausea and potentially leading to dehydration, which further hinders brain recovery.
Cognitive Fog	Alcohol’s depressant effects on the brain magnify post-concussion issues with concentration, memory recall, processing speed, and overall mental clarity, making it much harder to think clearly.

Interfering with Central Nervous System Regulation

Beyond symptom worsening, alcohol significantly interferes with the Central Nervous System’s (CNS) ability to regulate itself. The CNS, which includes the brain and spinal cord, is responsible for managing virtually all bodily functions, from sleep-wake cycles and mood to cognitive processing and sensory perception. Following a concussion, the CNS struggles to regain its normal equilibrium. Alcohol disrupts neurotransmitter balance and overall neuronal activity, making it harder for the CNS to regulate these critical processes. This interference doesn’t just slow down recovery; it actively causes a significant setback, preventing the brain from returning to a stable, functional state and prolonging the overall healing timeline.

Beyond simply worsening immediate symptoms, this neurotoxic interference also lays the groundwork for more profound and lasting issues.

Beyond sabotaging your brain’s immediate healing and exacerbating symptoms, alcohol also poses a significant threat to your cognitive faculties, setting the stage for a much longer and more challenging recovery.

The Cognitive Cost: Why Alcohol Delays Your Mind’s True Comeback

While the immediate impact of alcohol on concussion symptoms is alarming, its more insidious effect lies in its profound disruption of neurocognitive function, leading to a dramatically delayed recovery. When your brain is already reeling from a traumatic injury, introducing alcohol is akin to throwing sand into well-oiled machinery – it grinds the healing process to a halt and can leave lasting impairments.

The Compounding Assault on Neurocognitive Abilities

After a concussion, your brain’s ability to process information, remember details, and focus is naturally compromised. These are core components of neurocognitive function, encompassing skills like:

• Memory: Difficulty recalling recent events, learning new information, or remembering instructions.
• Attention and Concentration: Struggling to focus on tasks, easily distracted, or inability to sustain concentration.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Impaired decision-making, difficulty with planning, and challenges in critical thinking.
• Processing Speed: Slower mental responses, taking longer to understand and react to information.

Alcohol, even in small amounts, directly interferes with these delicate brain processes. It acts as a depressant, further slowing down neural communication and damaging fragile brain cells that are actively trying to repair themselves. This means that when you consume alcohol after a concussion, you are actively working against your brain’s natural healing mechanisms, not only preventing recovery but actively worsening the existing deficits.

The Prolonged Road to Recovery

The direct consequence of this cognitive sabotage is a significant risk of delayed recovery. Your brain requires optimal conditions to heal effectively, which includes rest, minimal stimulation, and a clear environment for neural pathways to mend. Alcohol introduces a toxic, disorienting element that directly opposes these needs.

Instead of progressing, the brain remains in a state of heightened vulnerability, struggling to regain its normal operational capacity. This prolonged impairment means that the time it takes to return to your pre-injury baseline – to think clearly, to remember effectively, and to solve problems efficiently – is significantly extended. What might have been weeks of recovery can stretch into months, or even longer, due to the persistent re-aggravation of brain tissues and functions by alcohol.

Undermining Daily Life and Long-Term Potential

The impact of this cognitive impairment extends far beyond mere discomfort; it infiltrates every aspect of your daily existence, making a full and robust recovery incredibly challenging.

• At Work or School: You may find it impossible to concentrate on tasks, retain new information from lectures, or make effective decisions. Simple assignments become monumental hurdles, leading to decreased performance, missed opportunities, and immense frustration.
• In Daily Life: Mundane activities become difficult. You might struggle to manage household tasks, remember appointments, follow conversations, or even navigate familiar routes. Social interactions can become strained due to difficulty processing information or finding the right words.
• Quality of Life: The cumulative effect is a diminished quality of life, as the inability to engage fully in work, school, and social activities leads to isolation, anxiety, and a feeling of being constantly "behind" or "foggy."

This persistent cognitive fog, fueled by alcohol, makes it exceptionally difficult for your brain to consolidate the healing it desperately needs, ultimately hindering your ability to achieve a complete return to normal function.

And as if hindering your mind’s recovery wasn’t enough, alcohol also increases the physical risk of another devastating blow.

While the immediate effects on neurocognitive function and the delay in recovery are concerning, the risks associated with alcohol consumption after a concussion don’t stop there.

The Fragile Brain’s Foe: How Alcohol Invites a Devastating Second Blow

A concussion leaves the brain in a delicate and vulnerable state, initiating a complex healing process that demands optimal conditions. Introducing alcohol during this critical period doesn’t just slow recovery; it actively increases the risk of a far more severe, potentially catastrophic, second injury. This hidden danger is a crucial reason why abstinence is not merely recommended, but absolutely essential.

Why Alcohol Magnifies the Risk of Re-Injury

Following a concussion, many of the brain’s essential functions are already compromised. This foundational weakness is then dangerously exacerbated by alcohol consumption, creating a perilous scenario where the likelihood of another traumatic brain injury skyrockets.

• Impaired Judgment: A concussed individual may struggle with clear thinking, risk assessment, and decision-making. Alcohol further dulls cognitive processes, leading to poor choices, an overestimation of abilities, and a reduced awareness of surroundings or potential hazards. This can manifest as attempting activities that are too strenuous, driving while impaired (even mildly), or simply not perceiving a dangerous situation.
• Compromised Coordination: The fine and gross motor skills required for smooth movement are often affected by a concussion, leading to clumsiness, unsteady gait, and difficulty with balance. Alcohol is a well-known disruptor of coordination, turning an already wobbly stance into a highly unstable one.
• Diminished Balance: Maintaining equilibrium is a fundamental function, and concussions can significantly impair it. Adding alcohol can drastically worsen balance, making simple acts like walking, standing up quickly, or navigating uneven surfaces treacherous. The inner ear and cerebellum, both critical for balance, are highly sensitive to alcohol’s effects.

Together, these impairments transform everyday environments into potential minefields, drastically increasing the chances of a fall or accident.

The Catastrophic Potential of a Second TBI

The heightened risks of falls or accidents, fuelled by alcohol’s impact on judgment, coordination, and balance, carry an alarming potential: another Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). While any head injury is serious, a subsequent TBI, particularly when the brain is still healing from a previous one, can have devastating and long-lasting consequences.

Imagine a healing wound that is repeatedly torn open before it can fully close. This analogy holds true for the brain. During concussion recovery, the brain is in a state of heightened metabolic demand, working overtime to repair damaged neural pathways and restore normal function. A second impact, even one seemingly less severe than the first, can overwhelm these recovery efforts, leading to:

• Protracted Recovery: The healing process from the initial concussion is likely to be significantly prolonged, or even halted, making a full return to pre-injury function much more difficult.
• Exacerbated Symptoms: Existing concussion symptoms (headaches, dizziness, cognitive fog) often become more intense, persistent, and debilitating.
• Permanent Neurological Deficits: Repeated trauma to a vulnerable brain increases the risk of permanent damage, impacting memory, concentration, emotional regulation, and physical abilities.
• Increased Risk of Future Issues: While rare, a second impact syndrome (SIS) can occur, leading to rapid and often fatal brain swelling. Beyond SIS, repeated head trauma, especially close together, is linked to an elevated risk of long-term neurodegenerative conditions.

These consequences can fundamentally alter an individual’s quality of life, affecting their ability to work, study, maintain relationships, and engage in daily activities.

Abstinence: Your Shield Against Re-Injury

Given the profound vulnerability of the brain during recovery and the dangerous ways alcohol undermines its healing and protective mechanisms, abstinence is unequivocally a key protective measure against re-injury. Eliminating alcohol removes a major variable that can lead to falls, accidents, and compromised decision-making. By making this conscious choice, you empower your brain with the best possible chance to heal safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of a devastating second blow during this critical and vulnerable recovery phase.

Beyond the immediate danger of re-injury, the ongoing presence of alcohol can cast a long shadow over the entire recovery process, often leading to the perplexing challenges of post-concussion syndrome.

While the immediate threat of a second, more severe injury looms large, the repercussions of a single concussion can extend far beyond the initial impact, casting a long shadow over your recovery.

The Lingering Echo: Protecting Yourself from Post-Concussion Syndrome

A concussion is often perceived as a temporary disruption, but for many, the effects can linger, sometimes for an extended period. This prolonged recovery is known as Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), a condition that represents a significant "hidden risk" following head injury.

Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)

Post-Concussion Syndrome occurs when the symptoms of a concussion persist for weeks, months, or even longer after the initial injury. Unlike the acute phase where symptoms are expected to resolve relatively quickly, PCS involves a constellation of ongoing physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that can significantly impact daily life.

Common symptoms associated with PCS include:

• Persistent headaches
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Fatigue and sleep disturbances
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Irritability, anxiety, or depression
• Sensitivity to light and sound

The Unseen Link: Alcohol Consumption and PCS Risk

Emerging research suggests a concerning link between early alcohol consumption post-injury and an increased likelihood of developing or worsening Post-Concussion Syndrome. Even small amounts of alcohol can interfere with the brain’s delicate healing process, potentially exacerbating inflammation, disrupting neurological function, and impeding recovery pathways.

• Interference with Healing: Alcohol is a neurotoxin that can further stress an already vulnerable brain, hindering its ability to repair itself effectively.
• Symptom Magnification: It can worsen existing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and cognitive fog, making the recovery journey feel more arduous.
• Increased Duration: By interfering with recovery, early alcohol use might prolong the period during which symptoms are experienced, thereby increasing the risk of PCS.

Therefore, avoiding alcohol completely after a concussion is a proactive and critical step. This simple precaution can significantly minimize the risk of long-term recovery implications and the development of chronic, debilitating symptoms associated with PCS. Prioritizing sobriety allows your brain the optimal environment it needs to heal without additional chemical stressors.

When to Seek Expert Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent concussion symptoms—whether they be physical, cognitive, or emotional—that extend beyond the expected recovery timeframe, it is imperative to seek professional medical advice. Consulting a Neurologist or a specialized Healthcare provider with expertise in brain injury is crucial for proper diagnosis, management, and guidance. Early intervention can make a significant difference in mitigating long-term challenges and improving recovery outcomes.

Recognizing and addressing persistent symptoms is crucial, just as it is to be aware of how certain choices can inadvertently obscure other critical warning signs that demand immediate attention.

Beyond the persistent and often debilitating challenges of post-concussion syndrome, another immediate and grave danger lurks when alcohol enters the picture after a head injury.

Blinded by the Bottle: Why Alcohol Hides What You Need to See

After a head injury, your brain is in a vulnerable state, and its ability to function normally is compromised. Introducing alcohol into this delicate environment doesn’t just complicate recovery; it creates a perilous fog that can mask critical, potentially life-threatening warning signs.

The Dangerous Mimicry: Alcohol vs. Neurological Symptoms

The human body’s response to alcohol intoxication shares striking similarities with the symptoms of a worsening brain injury. This overlap creates a dangerous diagnostic dilemma:

• Drowsiness and Confusion: Both alcohol and a deteriorating brain injury can lead to lethargy, disorientation, and difficulty processing information. What might appear as someone "sleeping it off" after a few drinks could, in reality, be a sign of increasing intracranial pressure.
• Nausea and Vomiting: While excessive alcohol consumption frequently causes nausea and vomiting, these are also hallmark symptoms of severe head trauma, including conditions like a brain bleed. The presence of alcohol makes it incredibly difficult to discern the true underlying cause.
• Impaired Coordination and Slurred Speech: Alcohol’s effects on motor skills and speech mimic the neurological deficits that can arise from a brain injury, making it nearly impossible for an observer, or even the individual themselves, to differentiate between intoxication and a serious medical emergency.

This dangerous mimicry means that precious time, which could be used for intervention, is often lost as everyone mistakenly attributes worsening symptoms to mere drunkenness.

Missing the Red Flags: The Cost of Intoxication

Certain "red flag" symptoms demand immediate medical attention following a head injury, as they can indicate a more severe issue like a brain bleed (e.g., epidural or subdural hematoma). If someone is intoxicated, these critical indicators can be easily overlooked or misinterpreted:

• Severe, Persistent, or Worsening Headache: A headache that intensifies or doesn’t subside is a major concern, but alcohol can both cause headaches and dull the perception of pain.
• New Weakness or Numbness: Any new weakness, tingling, or numbness in one side of the body or a limb requires urgent evaluation. Alcohol can impair motor function, making this vital symptom difficult to detect.
• Unequal Pupil Size: One pupil appearing larger than the other is a classic sign of pressure on the brain. This can be subtle and easily missed, especially in dim lighting or if the observer is also impaired.
• Repeated Vomiting: While single instances of vomiting can be common with intoxication, repeated episodes warrant immediate medical assessment, yet they are often dismissed as alcohol-induced.
• Loss of Consciousness or Difficulty Waking Up: Any instance of losing consciousness or an inability to wake someone up easily after a head injury is an emergency. Alcohol-induced stupor can tragically mimic this.
• Seizures: A seizure is a definitive neurological emergency. While alcohol withdrawal can also cause seizures, new onset seizures after a head injury require immediate medical intervention.

Missing these red flags due to alcohol’s masking effect can lead to catastrophic delays in treatment, potentially resulting in permanent disability or even death.

The Imperative of Clear Self-Monitoring

After a head injury, one of the most crucial tools for recovery and safety is the ability to accurately self-monitor your symptoms and report any changes to a Healthcare Provider. Your doctor relies on your clear, precise accounts to assess the severity of your injury, track your progress, and identify any concerning developments. Alcohol profoundly compromises this ability:

• Impaired Perception: Intoxication dulls your senses and distorts your perception of your own body and cognitive state. You simply cannot accurately gauge how you feel or if your symptoms are worsening.
• Inaccurate Reporting: When asked about your symptoms, an intoxicated individual cannot provide reliable information. This makes it impossible for Healthcare Providers to make informed decisions about your care.
• Caregiver Burden: Even caregivers tasked with monitoring the injured individual are placed at a severe disadvantage. They must try to distinguish between alcohol’s effects and a medical emergency, a task that is often impossible without professional medical assessment.

The Perilous Veil: A Blindfold to Danger

Ultimately, choosing to drink alcohol after a head injury is akin to deliberately putting a blindfold on yourself and your caregivers when navigating a dangerous minefield. It effectively blinds you to potentially life-threatening warning signs, transforming a recoverable injury into a high-stakes gamble with your health and future. The clarity required to detect and act upon these critical signals is sacrificed, putting you at immense, unnecessary risk.

Understanding these critical dangers is the first step towards a responsible approach, paving the way for your roadmap to recovery, which begins with adhering strictly to medical guidelines and making informed choices about alcohol.

Having brought to light the critical dangers of masking warning signs with alcohol, it’s time to chart a deliberate and informed course toward true recovery.

Charting Your Safe Return: Medical Guidelines and Mindful Choices Post-Concussion

Successfully navigating post-concussion recovery, particularly when considering alcohol, requires a clear roadmap grounded in medical expertise and cautious self-awareness. This section outlines the essential steps to protect your healing brain, emphasizing professional guidance and responsible practices to minimize the risk of further injury or prolonged symptoms.

Revisiting the Risks: Why Abstinence Remains Paramount

As we’ve explored, introducing alcohol during any stage of concussion recovery can have profound and detrimental effects, from exacerbating symptoms and prolonging healing to masking critical warning signs that demand medical attention. The five critical risks previously discussed – which include delayed recovery, increased symptom severity, heightened risk of second impact syndrome, cognitive impairment, and the masking of serious complications – underscore a fundamental truth: during initial recovery, your brain is in a vulnerable state, rebuilding and repairing itself. For this crucial period, abstinence is not merely a suggestion; it is the safest and most effective course of action. Giving your brain the unimpeded space to heal is the single most important step you can take.

The Golden Rule: Your Healthcare Provider is Your Compass

Before you even consider reintroducing alcohol into your life post-concussion, there is a golden rule that must be strictly followed: Always consult with your healthcare provider or neurologist. This isn’t a recommendation to be taken lightly. Only a medical professional, intimately familiar with your specific injury, recovery trajectory, and overall health, can provide personalized guidance. They will assess your neurological function, symptom resolution, and cognitive performance to determine if and when it might be safe to contemplate even the smallest amount of alcohol. Attempting to make this decision independently can lead to severe setbacks and compromise your long-term recovery.

Navigating Recovery: Medical Guidelines for Post-Concussion Life

A complete return to your baseline function is the cornerstone of responsible post-concussion living. This means not just an absence of symptoms, but a verifiable return to your pre-injury cognitive, emotional, and physical capabilities, as confirmed by medical evaluation. General medical guidelines for post-concussion life, especially regarding alcohol, emphasize patience and vigilance:

• Prioritize Brain Rest: In the initial weeks to months, physical and cognitive rest are paramount. This includes avoiding activities that could stress the brain, such as screens, loud noises, and strenuous exercise, and certainly alcohol.
• Gradual Reintroduction of Activities: Your return to work, school, and physical activities should be phased, closely monitored for any symptom recurrence.
• Identify and Avoid Triggers: Be aware of anything that exacerbates your symptoms. Alcohol is a powerful neurological depressant and a common trigger for post-concussion symptoms.
• Maintain Overall Health: Focus on good nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management – all vital components of brain healing.
• Regular Medical Follow-ups: Consistent check-ins with your healthcare provider are crucial to track progress and identify any lingering issues.

Only once a medical professional has definitively confirmed that you have reached your pre-injury baseline and that your brain has sufficiently healed, can a discussion about alcohol even begin. To provide a clearer framework for this journey, consider the following phased approach:

Beyond Recovery: Defining Safe Drinking Practices (If Medically Cleared)

Even after receiving a medical green light for full recovery, it’s crucial to understand that your brain’s sensitivity to alcohol may have fundamentally changed. "Safe drinking practices" post-concussion are more stringent than for an uninjured brain:

• Start with Very Small Amounts: If cleared, begin with an exceptionally small amount – perhaps half a standard drink, or even less. The goal is to test your brain’s reaction, not to enjoy a full drink.
• Monitor for Any Return of Symptoms: After consuming alcohol, meticulously monitor yourself for any recurrence of concussion symptoms. This includes headaches, dizziness, fatigue, cognitive fogginess, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, sleep disturbances, or increased sensitivity to light/sound.
• Hydrate and Eat: Always consume alcohol with food and ensure adequate hydration.
• Pace Yourself: Never drink quickly. Allow ample time between sips and assess your body’s response.
• Know Your New Limit: Your tolerance may be significantly lower than before the injury. Be prepared for the possibility that alcohol may simply no longer agree with you, or that your "safe" limit is much lower than you’re accustomed to.
• Avoid Binge Drinking Entirely: Any form of heavy or binge drinking can be incredibly dangerous and set back your recovery, potentially causing permanent damage.
• Re-Evaluate Continuously: Your body and brain are dynamic. What felt okay once might not feel okay again. Continuously reassess your response to alcohol and be prepared to revert to abstinence if any symptoms arise.

Remember, reintroducing alcohol is a personal decision to be made only in close consultation with your healthcare provider, and always with the utmost caution and self-awareness.

Understanding these guidelines is the first step; next, we’ll delve into empowering you with the strategies and support systems vital for sustained recovery and informed lifestyle choices.

Throughout this guide, we’ve illuminated the five critical hidden risks of mixing alcohol with a healing brain: from sabotaging intrinsic brain healing and causing severe symptom exacerbation, to alarming impacts on neurocognitive function and the specter of delayed recovery. We’ve also highlighted the heightened danger of a second, more severe injury and the terrifying reality of masking critical warning signs that could indicate a life-threatening complication. Finally, the insidious link to Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) serves as a stark reminder of alcohol’s profound, negative influence.

The message is unequivocally clear: Abstinence from alcohol is not merely a recommendation but a crucial pillar of safe and effective concussion recovery. Your brain’s journey back to full health is a delicate one, and its successful completion is paramount. Therefore, the golden rule stands: always consult with your Healthcare provider or Neurologist before considering any reintroduction of alcohol into your routine.

Empower your recovery by adhering to established medical guidelines, prioritizing your long-term brain health above short-term desires. Only after a complete and medically-cleared return to baseline function should safe drinking practices be cautiously considered, beginning with very small amounts and diligent self-monitoring. Your brain deserves the best chance to heal, unhindered and unprotected.